UCL Handbook 2019 2020 New Updated

Ground Grading – Category F

When considering any developments of the ground to comply with the requirements of this grade, clubs are recommended to bear in mind the criteria for higher gradings which might be achieved for minimal additional expense.

NB The suitability of all installations shall be at the sole discretion of the FA Ground Grading Technical Panel

1. GROUND

The ground must give an overall appearance and impression of being a football ground suitable for the National League System.

It must be possible for spectators to view the match, either standing or seated, for the full length of at least 3 sides of the playing area but see also para 2.1. Where any side is designated as spectator-free, measures must be in place to ensure there is no unauthorised access. The location of the ground, in so far as its relation to the conurbation whose name the club bears, or is traditionally associated with, must meet with the approval of both The Football Association and the Board of Directors or Management Committee of the league of which it is in membership. The club must disclose plans and details of any proposed future move to a new stadium or of any significant alteration to the existing ground to both the league of which it is in membership and The Football Association.

1.1 Security of Tenure

The club must demonstrate security of tenure as required by The Football Association and the league of which it is a member. (Standardised rule 2.3.2)

1.2 Ground Share

Ground sharing is permitted in accordance with the provisions of individual league rules and the Regulations for the Establishment and Operation of the National League System.

1.3 Capacity

There is no minimum capacity at this level but a club should be mindful that the minimum requirement for Grade D is 1300.

1.4 Boundary of Ground

The ground must be enclosed by a permanent boundary. As a general rule, the minimum height, when measured from outside the ground, must be 1.83 metres. It should be noted that at higher grades the boundary fence should be of a construction to prevent view- ing from outside the ground. Where any side of the ground is bounded by private land/property, the fixed boundary of that private land / property may be acceptable as the boundary of the ground

1.5 Clubhouse

There must be a clubhouse facility either on or adjacent to the ground, which should be open on match days to provide refreshments to spectators.

1.6 Car Parking

There should be adequate car parking facilities on or adjacent to the ground. Car parking within the ground may not be acceptable

1.7 Pitch Perimeter Barrier

Subject to the provisions detailed below, there must be a permanent fixed barrier ideally 1.1 m high as measured from the spectator side, of sound construction (eg concrete and steel) and free from all sharp edges, surrounding the pitch on all sides that may be occu- pied by spectators. Existing barriers/rails not at 1.1m high may be acceptable, provided they meet the requirements set out in 1.7 of the Appendix. Any barriers installed at new grounds should be purposed designed, with integrated infill panels as required and be made from UPVC or coated metal. The barrier, if other than solid wall type of construction may be infilled. Plastic multi-purpose hi-vis fencing is not considered suitable for infill.

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